New contract approved for Canton teachers

CANTON - Teachers at Canton Central School District will contribute to their health insurance premiums for the first time under a new contract agreement reached with the district.

The new four-year pact also calls for salary increases of 3.5 percent in the first year, followed by 3 percent each of the remaining three years.

School Superintendent William A. Gregory said the health insurance contributions are expected to save the district nearly $300,000 over the four-year period.

In light of both the projected savings that would not have been realized without this agreement and the ever-increasing demands and expectations placed upon our professional staff, we believe this settlement to be both fair and fiscally responsible to all concerned, Mr. Gregory said in an email.

The contract requires members of the Canton Central Teachers Association to contribute 3 percent of their premiums this school year, 5 percent next school year, 7.5 percent for 2014-15 and 10 percent for 2015-16.

Members of the union who retire after June 30, 2014 will pay a fixed dollar amount toward health insurance thats equal to their contribution level at the time of their retirement.

Salary increases are 3.5 percent for this year, and 3 percent each year through the 2015-16 school year.

The school board approved the new contract during a special meeting Wednesday evening. It replaces a former contract that expired in June.